New Parkinson's Disease Society branch to be launched in Uttlesford

PUBLISHED: 09:22 28 August 2009 | UPDATED: 07:20 30 May 2010

A NEW Uttlesford branch of the Parkinson s Disease Society (PDS) is due to be launched next week – with an information session earmarked for Dunmow. The branch will initially be based in Saffron Walden but organisers are keen to roll it out to other parts

A NEW Uttlesford branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) is due to be launched next week - with an information session earmarked for Dunmow.

The branch will initially be based in Saffron Walden but organisers are keen to roll it out to other parts of the district, including Great Dunmow.

Chairman of the new group, Vivian Falk, said: "As NHS West Essex now has its own Parkinson's Disease specialist nurses and information support worker, we felt the time was right to set up our own support group, initially based in Saffron Walden. However, it is hoped in future to extend coverage to other parts of the district."

As such, an information session has been arranged for people affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD), their carers and professionals. It takes place at Foakes Memorial Hall, Stortford Road, between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Thursday October 1.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Carol Jacobs, an information and support worker who will be there to give information and advice.

Other local support group members will also be in attendance to meet and advise visitors. Refreshments will be provided on the day. For more details contact Julie Woodley 0844 225 3612.

For now, the Uttlesford Support Group of PDS is being launched at Walden Place, Myddleton Place, Saffron Walden between noon and 3pm on Thursday September 10.

Dr Duncan Forsyth, an expert on PD, who is based at Addenbrooke's Hospital, will be speaking and answering questions about advances in treatment of the condition and hopes for the future.

After his talk, there will also be a demonstration of the type of yoga relaxation which can be particularly beneficial to PD patients. Refreshments will be provided.

PD affects people in different ways. It can make everyday movements such as walking, swallowing and writing difficult. Medication, other treatments and therapies can often help to control these symptoms.

It is estimated that around one in 500 people in the UK have PD and 10,000 are diagnosed each year - one in 20 are under the age of 40.

The PDS offers support to people across the UK, providing a freephone helpline (0808 800 0303) and producing many resources, including booklets and information sheets, which offer information and support to everyone affected by PD.

PDS research teams are also co-ordinating work into all aspects of the disease with the ultimate aim of finding a cure.

The new group for Uttlesford will meet on the second Thursday of each month at Walden Place at noon. For more information call the group's secretary Kathy West on 01279 816293 or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk